BILL NUMBER: S8765A
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to qualified mental
health associates
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To create a new, supervised, entry level position of Qualified Mental
Health Associate.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The office of mental health shall foster programs for the
training and development of persons capable of providing support to
individuals under treatment plans developed by licensed mental health
practitioners. The office shall establish minimum qualifications for
this position including educational and or equivalent on-the-job experi-
ence.
Section 2: The commissioner will establish a credentialing board to
provide advice concerning the credentialing process of the title of
Qualified Mental Health Associate.
Section 3: The title, Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), will
officially designate an individual as one who holds a registered and
valid credential issued by the office of mental health which documents
the individuals' qualifications to assist licensed mental health practi-
tioners though coaching and supporting individuals under treatment
plans.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
Amendments included in A8464A would do the following:
-Clarify the minimum qualifications for a QHMA would be a combination of
education, training, or work experience that would demonstrate the
competency necessary to provide certain non-clinical activities.
-Add language to require the commissioner of OMH to develop procedures
for remedial action which may be used at the discretion of the commis-
sioner, prior to issuing penalties, or suspending, revoking, or annull-
ing such credentials.
-Add language to require the appointments to the advisory board be
representative of the diverse mental health field, including but not
limited to consumers of mental health services or persons with lived
experience; individuals who represent underserved populations, including
urban and rural areas of the state; and other credentialed and licensed
mental health professionals.
- Add language to prohibit a QMHA from acting in a manner that would
require a license, registration, or certification pursuant to title
eight of the education law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This model is similar to the successful CASAC model in substance abuse
services where through training curriculum combined with hands on expe-
rience, an individual can climb the first step on a career ladder lead-
ing into advancement in the mental health field. A QMHA will be an
Office of Mental Health licensed paraprofessional who supports individ-
uals in implementing a treatment plan developed by a licensed practi-
tioner, only under the supervision of the licensed practitioner. The
position will serve to increase the engagement of community college and
undergraduate students who are considering a career in mental health,
but presently have limited opportunities for hands on experience. The
QMHA title provides this experience while assisting licensed clinicians
now in short supply in many underserved and rural communities.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Undetermined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8765: 7.07 mental hygiene law
S8765A: 7.07 mental hygiene law, 7.03 mental hygiene law